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How Lantronix is Redefining Edge AI Development for Drones

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Key Takeaways

  • LTRX previews a Drone Reference Platform to speed OEMs from concept to flight-ready Edge AI drones.
  • LTRX builds on Open-Q 8550 SOM with Qualcomm AI power, Linux software, and Pixhawk/PX4 flight control.
  • LTRX moves into UAV compute with Trillium selection and Q2 FY26 revenue guided at $28-$32M.

Lantronix, Inc. (LTRX - Free Report) is expanding its footprint in Edge AI-powered drones, considered one of the most strategic technology frontiers in recent times. With the preview of its new Drone Reference Platform, LTRX is positioning itself as a foundational compute partner for next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs across defense, intelligence and industrial markets. Designed for both defense and commercial applications, the platform enables drone OEMs to transition from idea to flight-ready prototype in a fraction of the traditional development time.

As onboard computing demands grow, drones are increasingly classified as Edge AI systems, enabling real-time perception, autonomy and in-flight decision-making. The platform is built around the Open-Q 8550 µSOM, leveraging Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QCS8550 SoC to deliver AI-class processing power suitable for perception, autonomy and analytics. Its compact design is optimized for SWaP-constrained airborne environments.

Key technical highlights include a Linux-based software stack for rapid AI model deployment, Native FLIR Hadron 640 integration, enabling fused thermal and RGB video pipelines, Pixhawk + PX4 compatibility, ensuring deterministic and reliable flight control and validated sensor and payload integrations, reducing uncertainty during development. Together, these elements form a turnkey development ecosystem that supports parallel software development, in-flight validation, and smooth transition to production hardware.

Strategic Implications for Lantronix

Lantronix’s move into turnkey drone compute platforms deepens its position as a key supplier across defense, intelligence and commercial UAV markets, expanding beyond connectivity to deliver mission-critical compute and AI capabilities for FPV and small UAV platforms. Per a report from Mordor Intelligence, the global drones market is valued at $9.29 billion in 2026, and estimated to reach $14.52 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 9.34%.

In December 2025, LTRX announced that its NDAA/TAA-compliant Edge AI technology and engineering services have been selected by Trillium Engineering, a leading maker of gimbaled imaging systems for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). 

For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the company expects revenue between $28 million and $32 million, with a midpoint of $30 million. Non-GAAP EPS is projected between 2 cents and 4 cents, with 3 cents at the midpoint.

LTRX’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance

LTRX currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have surged 46.6% in the past year compared with the Zacks Computer Networking industry’s growth of 28.1%.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to Consider From the Computer and Technology Space

Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are Ubiquiti Inc. (UI - Free Report) , Motorola Solutions (MSI - Free Report) and Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD - Free Report) . UI sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while MSI and CLFD carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

UI’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 54.15%. In the last reported quarter, Ubiquiti delivered an earnings surprise of 39.52%. Its shares have surged 57.9% in the past year.

Motorola’s earnings beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 5.5%. MSI’s long-term earnings growth rate is 9.07%. Its shares have declined 16.2% in the past year.

Clearfield’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 92.47%. In the last reported quarter, CLFD delivered an earnings surprise of 44.44%. Its shares have lost 10.9% in the past year.

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